ORANJESTAD — Comerciantenan Uni di Aruba (CUA) is calling on the Government of Aruba to address lengthy delays at the Department of Public Works (DOW), warning that unanswered applications and infrastructure problems are creating uncertainty for businesses and residents.
CUA President Frans Ponson said the organization continues to receive complaints from members who have waited a year, 18 months or even longer for responses to their applications.
According to Ponson, the problem goes beyond delays. Businesses planning investments, applying for financing or preparing to open need clear information about whether their projects are feasible and when they can expect decisions.
He argued that prolonged uncertainty can discourage entrepreneurs before their businesses even begin operating, conflicting with Aruba’s efforts to encourage commerce, investment and economic diversification.
While acknowledging that DOW may face staffing or resource limitations, Ponson said these challenges should not become a permanent reason for applications to remain unanswered. He called on the Government and responsible minister to find structural solutions.
CUA also raised concerns about Aruba infrastructure, particularly the condition of roads.
Ponson questioned the contrast between Aruba’s image as a high-quality tourism destination and the condition of some roads, including routes in and around the hotel area. He said motorists regularly encounter potholes and deteriorated road surfaces and called for greater transparency regarding road maintenance priorities, schedules and budgets.
He also expressed concern about roads remaining closed for extended periods without clear solutions, particularly in areas near schools where safety could become an issue.
CUA is proposing a system with defined response periods for government applications. Ponson said applicants should at least know when they can expect an answer, even when departments cannot immediately resolve their requests.
According to CUA, greater predictability would benefit not only businesses but also residents who experience similar delays when submitting requests or correspondence to government departments.
The organization is now calling on the Government and the minister responsible for DOW to publicly explain the department’s current situation, its capacity and the measures planned to reduce backlogs involving permits, applications and infrastructure maintenance.
CUA says establishing clear timelines and providing reliable responses are important for restoring public confidence while supporting investment and economic activity in Aruba.
